KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Leaders at Hope Faith Ministries in Kansas City are riding high on the first-year results of their bicycle giveaway program.
Hope Faith has the only bicycle shop in Kansas City operated by people who are homeless. When someone who is homeless volunteers for 10 hours, they receive a free repaired bicycle, a free helmet and bicycle safety training.
It launched in July 2017 and almost a year later, more than 85 homeless people received a bicycle. The goal next year is 500 free bicycles for the homeless.
Skittle is the lead intern-mechanic in the Hope Faith bicycle shop. When he first came to the shelter, he didn't have a place to live. Now as an intern at Hope Faith, he has a place to live, and a monthly check. He said it's a joy and a blessing to repair the bicycles and give them to homeless people so they can get where they need to go.
Hope Faith Ministries is asking the public to donate their old bicycles and donate their time to build racks in the shop so more bikes can be added to the shop to help homeless people. Hope Faith Ministries is located at 705 Virginia Avenue in Kansas City.
